At the outset I would like to congratulate the United States of America on this month of Presidency of the Security Council, recognizing your skilled leadership, including the current efforts being exerted to advance peace and a more stable, secure Middle East. We also express appreciation to the United Kingdom for its efficient leadership of the Council in June.

I also thank Mr. Robert Serry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Special Coordinator of the United Nations, for his briefing and tireless effort on the ground.

I am honored to address the Security Council today, and I congratulate you and your friendly country Rwanda on your presidency and skilled leadership. We also express appreciation to the Russian Federation for its leadership of the Council in March.

I thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing on developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as well as in the region.